Eden's Wish is the first book in the Eden of the Lamp series by M. Tara Crowl. All twelve years of Eden's life have been spent in an antique oil lamp. She lives like a princess inside her tiny, luxurious home; but to Eden, the lamp is nothing but a prison. She hates being a genie. All she wants, more than anything, is freedom. When Eden finds a gateway to Earth within the lamp, she takes her chance and enters the world she loves. And this time, she won't be sent back after three wishes. Posing as the new kid at a California middle school, Eden revels in all of Earth's pleasures--but quickly learns that this world isn't as perfect as she always thought it was. Eden soon finds herself in the middle of a centuries-old conflict between powerful immortals. A ruthless organization run by a former genie will stop at nothing to acquire the lamp and its power--even hurt Tyler and Sasha, the new mortal friends who have given Eden a home. To save her friends and protect the lamp's magic, Eden must decide once and for all where she belongs.
Eden's Wish is a book with an original and complex story that captured my imagination and attention. I had the book on my kindle for ages, I just wish I had read it earlier! Eden is twelve, and has the typical desire to change and grow that all young people have. I like that she does appreciate the love and care she has, but still wants more independence and experience outside the lamp. She is intelligent and caring, but understandably naive about people and the real world- as one might expect from someone so sheltered. The larger conspiracy is intriguing and I loved how those involved hide in plain sight in the world. The characters are all complex and have personal flaws or quirks that make them more interesting or realistic. I really enjoyed Eden's discovery of the little things we all take for granted, and her strength of self even as she is trying to find her path. I also liked that while the adults are lost in grief, over protecting guardians, or plotting and scheming none of them are not the flat useless or bumbling adults that so often appear in books of children or teens. I think this is going to be a great series- and now I have to find the next book.
Eden's Wish is a wonderful and original read. While there is plenty more to cover in the series, I really appreciated that the story resolved the most pressing questions so I was left satisfied. I think middle grade, young adult, and adult readers can all enjoy this read.
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